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Swings and misses

Roman Mejias spent nine seasons in the big leagues, playing from 1955-1964, with three different teams. He had a nice season in 1962 for the fledgling Houston Colt .45’s. He played 146 games that year, hitting .286 with 24 home runs, 76 RBI 12 stolen bases and 82 runs scored, leading the Houston franchise in almost all offensive categories in their first season. The following year he was traded to the Boston Red Sox but could not repeat his success and after one more season in Boston he was out of the league. Mejias graciously signed my card, but did not return the questionnaire. For more on his career, click here.

1959 Topps

Like Mejias, Baxes did not return the survey, but did sign the card. Baxes spent parts of two seasons in the majors, 1956 and 1958. He played 73 games each season for the Kansas City A’s. He did have over 100 more at bats in 1958, but his results were similar. His brother, Jim, played one season in the big leagues for the Dodgers and Indians.

1959 Topps

Mostly a reserve infielder, Grammas played 10 seasons for three different teams. His big league career started in 1954 with the St. Louis Cardinals. He played 142 games that season and recorded career highs in hits and runs scored. He was again a regular for the Red Birds in 1955 but was traded to Cincinnati in 1956. He stayed three seasons with the Reds before returning to the Cardinals in 1959. After parts of four more seasons with St. Louis, he concluded his big-league career with the Chicago Cubs. Following his playing career, Grammas was a coach for four teams and managed the Pirates in 1969 and the Brewers from 1976-1977. As a coach, he won the World Series in 1975 with the Reds and again in 1984 with the Tigers.